Clock Tree Phase Regulation Using Multi-Path Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
In advanced miniaturization of semiconductor integrated circuits, manufacturing variations due to factors like voltage drops and electrical characteristics of transistors and wirings lead to insufficient phase regulation in clock distribution circuits, resulting in timing issues and potential faults.
Innovation Solution
A clock distribution circuit that uses multiple feedback paths to detect phase differences and generate a variation-corrected feedback clock signal, allowing for phase regulation to synchronize clock signals with a reference clock, thereby reducing phase differences and preventing yield reduction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple feedback paths are used for phase regulation, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The feedback mechanism is segmented into multiple independent feedback paths (first feedback path and second feedback path), each capable of operating autonomously. This segmentation allows the system to maintain phase regulation functionality even when one path experiences transition faults, thereby improving reliability without requiring a complete redesign of the feedback mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements beforehand cushioning by preparing multiple feedback paths in advance, so that when transition faults occur in one path, alternative paths are already available to maintain phase regulation. This proactive approach prevents yield reduction by ensuring continuous operational capability despite manufacturing variations and potential faults.
2Measurement precision
If timing margins are increased to counter variations, then timing accuracy is improved, but productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs feedback mechanisms that dynamically adjust phase relationships based on actual timing variations. By using phase comparison circuits to detect timing differences and automatically regulate clock phases, the system achieves high timing accuracy without requiring excessive static timing margins, thereby maintaining productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The phase regulation system is dynamic rather than static, allowing real-time adjustment of clock phases based on actual operating conditions. This dynamic adaptation enables the system to maintain accurate timing with smaller margins, improving cycle throughput while preserving timing precision.
Data Source
AI summary
This invention includes a clock tree to which clock signals are distributed, and a phase comparison circuit configured to detect the phase difference between a plurality of feedback clock signals upon receiving the plurality of feedback clock signals output from different branching points of the clock tree. The invention includes a feedback clock signal generation circuit configured to generate a variation-corrected feedback clock signal for correcting a manufacture variation in the semiconductor integrated circuit based on the phase difference detected by the phase comparison circuit. The invention includes a phase regulation circuit configured to delay the clock signal so as to reduce the phase difference between a reference clock signal and the variation-corrected feedback clock signal generated by the feedback clock signal generation circuit.